[Prototype 2] Open to Care
Open to Care
Reach out. Help is here.
You don't have to keep the hurt inside. Talk to someone.
It’s OK not to be OK sometimes. Feelings of loneliness, anger, and worry are completely normal, and you’re not alone. In fact, one in six people struggle with thoughts and feelings that can disrupt their relationships and their enjoyment of daily life and activities.
Reaching out for help can be scary, but it actually shows incredible bravery. The first step to moving forward is talking about it.
If this is a crisis
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is the number to use when you need help and don’t know where to turn. Even if you’re just having a hard time making it through the day, someone will always be there to talk, day or night.
Just call, text or chat 988 to reach a trained counselor who will listen, provide support and connect you to other resources that can help.
Who to go to for help
The most powerful step we can each take to support our mental well-being is to simply talk to someone. Talk to someone who you trust and feel comfortable with. That person may be a doctor, parent, teacher, school counselor, religious leader, relative or neighbor. Here are a few people you might consider:
1. Talk to a family member
Talk to an adult in your family. This might be a parent, grandparent, adult sibling, cousin, aunt, uncle or someone else who you consider family. Our families often share our history and experiences, and you may find that someone close has struggled with a similar issue or situation.
2. Talk to your doctor
Your doctor is there to help you protect both your physical and mental well-being. Your doctor will likely want to ask you a few questions and they will work you to figure out what kind of support you might need. They may recommend that you speak with a therapist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional and can help make that connection for you.
3. Talk to a school counselor
If you’re in school, a school counselor or a school nurse may be available for you to talk to. Whether you are experiencing school-related issues like bullying or anxious feelings around assignments or tests, or you’re having difficulty with problems at home, your school counselor can be an excellent resource. They are trained to be a mentor and advocate for you and can give you strategies and solutions to overcome whatever situation you may be in.
4. Connect with your peers
Sometimes it feels most comfortable to talk to someone who is the same age and going through the same things that you are. A school counselor can help you connect with other groups of peers or get you into a group counseling session. Even just talking with a close friend can help you feel lighter.
Learn more about mental and behavioral health
Interested in learning more about mental health for teens and children? Find more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.